Origin & Meaning of the Macaulay Surname
What does the last name Macaulay mean?
The surname Macaulay carries the meaning "Son of Macaulay." It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,560 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macaulay ranks as the #12,174 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macaulay come from?
The Macaulay surname has its roots in Scottish heritage. Names of Scottish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Macaulay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macaulay trace back to Scottish Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Macaulay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macaulay |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,174 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,560 |
| Per 100K People | 0.87 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macaulay
According to the US Census, the Macaulay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,560 Americans with the Macaulay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.06% |
| Black | 6.02% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.21% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 0.9% |
Popularity of Macaulay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macaulay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macaulay surname increased by 341 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Macaulay
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